OBITUARY

Eric Benker

June 9, 1940 – January 24, 2019

Groton Long Point- Eric J. Benker, loving husband to Marlynn, father to Andrew and Maria, grandfather to Grace, brother to Barbara and Karen, father- in- law to Henrry, brother-in-law to Louis and John, uncle to Mir, Ryan, Richie, Lydia, and Carlos, cousin to Carolyn, Diane and Paul, social worker to many and friend to all, went to his great reward on January 24, 2019 at Yale New Haven Hospital.
Eric’s family appreciates and would like to thank Team 6-7 at Yale who were so kind and caring to Eric. If you choose to remember Eric, donations in his name may be made to Always Home (formerly MASH), 119 High St. Mystic CT 06355 to assist in the prevention of family homelessness or to Little Missionary Day Nursery, 93 St.Mark’s Place, #1 New York, NY 10009.
Funeral services will be private for Eric’s family.
To leave a message of condolence for Eric’s family, please visit www.churchandallen.com
The Church and Allen Funeral Home, Norwich, is assisting with arrangements.

REMEMBERING

Eric Benker

Catherine Myers

February 15, 2019

I met the family with Glenn and Dorothy Svenning on a visit. Eric was a wonderful host, and very kind to his Aunt. To celebrate, a lobster feast was cooked up. This was my first experience with the New England tradition. Later Eric and family, including Diane, drove to Cape Cod for Dorothy’s birthday, she really appreciated seeing them and the effort it took. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope he is in Heaven with Hal, Dorothy, Lee, and Glenn.Catherine Myers

Kathleen Clark

February 10, 2019

Dear Marlynn & family,We would like to offer our sincere condolences in Eric’s passing. I loved chatting with him when he was @ SHS guiding kids in the after school program.He was so vibrant and caring.Sincerely, Kathi & Maurice Clark

Jonathan Pingle

February 9, 2019

Please know my family extends their deepest condolences, Andy, Maria and Mrs. Benker. Mr. Benker was my first boss, something true for a lot of us I would guess. He was a great support. He saw promise in me at a time in my life when few others did, and was more optimistic about me than I was myself. Over the years he was always happy to catch up and say hi - generous with his spirit. He was more than a neighbor and a friend. He was a great man. The world is a better place because he was in it. And when I say he was a great support, I carried that with me my whole life. The positive impact he had on many of our lives leaves an indescribable legacy. I am very sorry for your loss and know that many of us remember him, mourn with you, and send you our love.

Julia Porter

February 5, 2019

He was helpful with my stepson years ago. With sympathy, Julia Porter

Gary Beebe

February 3, 2019

Dear Marlynn,I am so sorry to read that Eric passed away. I will always consider Eric as the most giving and caring person I have ever known. We had so many good times together. We shared many times of laughter, he was someone I could share many things with. Take care, know that Eric's kindness will always be remembered by many. Gary Beebe

Gordon Wosak

February 3, 2019

We were boyhood pals. 15 minute walk through woods between our homes in Quaker Hill. Eric was a pretty good ping pong player. He took me to high school in his ‘49 or ‘50 Ford. I crashed his VW beetle one summer night and we repaired it in time for him to drive to Arizona State that fall. He could swim great distances underwater and build stone walls. Eric became well educated, was a good builder, loved the water, loved people and was a good friend. He will be missed.

Jackie Deming

February 3, 2019

Dear Marlynn I was so sorry to hear of Eric’s recent passing. He was so wonderful to work with at Eastern Point School. So many students benefitted from his kindness & wisdom. What a lovely, gentle man....

Thinking of you and your family, Jackie Deming

Ena and Derek Pye

February 3, 2019

We, are both so sorry to hear of your sad loss of your husband Eric. We have some lovely memories of you both, when you visited the UK and when we visited you in Groton Long Point . Thinking of you Marlynn with our deepest symphathy , love Ena and Derek.

Bob &Trish Banker

February 3, 2019

Dear Marilynn, We are so sad to hear about Eric’s passing and thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Bob and I remember fondly about the time we discovered after joking that we were related, we actually were! And getting together to share family photos which turned out to be identical. We hope that the love of family and friends will comfort you.Love, Bob and Trish Banker

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